How to choose a Lancôme moisturizer cream

Which cream suits your skin?

• For dry skin, start with a cream rather than a lotion. Creams are thicker, contain more oil and help retain more water.
• For very dry skin, an ointment can be more useful than a cream, particularly at night.
• For oily skin, consider a lighter gel. If you are prone to breakouts, look for a product labeled noncomedogenic, meaning it is designed not to block pores.
• For combination skin, moisturize the dry areas rather than automatically covering oily areas.
• For dry or sensitive skin, look for fragrance free products. Unscented is not the same thing: ingredients used to hide odors can still irritate.

Combination skin can need different treatment in different areas, so one jar need not have jurisdiction over the entire face.1

What should you look for on the label?

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract and bind water to skin. Ingredients such as mineral oil and petrolatum help hold existing moisture in. An emollient is an ingredient that softens skin; a moisturizer can combine softening ingredients with ingredients that draw in water. Check the actual ingredient list rather than assuming a Lancôme cream contains any particular ingredient.4

How should you apply moisturizer cream?

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser and warm, not hot, water.
2. 2Pat skin gently with a towel, leaving it slightly damp.
3. 3Apply moisturizer promptly to the areas that need it. Smooth it gently over skin rather than rubbing hard.
4. 4For a plain moisturizer without active treatment ingredients, reapply when skin feels dry. Check the product's directions before increasing use.
5. 5During the day, use broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, alongside shade and protective clothing.

If you use a steroid cream or another treatment for a skin condition, leave 20 to 30 minutes between that treatment and an emollient moisturizer. Ask your doctor which to apply first to avoid diluting the treatment or spreading it where it is not needed.2

What should you expect?

Moisturizers help skin retain water and soften dry, peeling areas. Regular use can make dry skin feel more comfortable. Introduce only one new product at a time, because a bathroom full of simultaneous arrivals makes identifying the troublemaker unnecessarily difficult.4

When should you get help?

Tell a dermatologist if moisturizer causes burning, stinging or irritation. Get medical advice if dryness persists despite moisturizing, or becomes painful, cracked or bleeding. Persistent dryness can need treatment beyond a cosmetic cream.13